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In â??Geek Chicâ?? and Obama, New Hope for Lifting Women in Science

With the inauguration of an administration avowedly committed to Science as the grand elixir for the nationâ??s economic, environmental and psycho-reputational woes, a number of scientists say that now is the time to tackle a chronic conundrum of their beloved enterprise: how to attract more women into the fold, and keep them once they are there.

Quoted: â??People say, oh, we shouldnâ??t have quotas, but diversity is a form of excellence, and there are plenty of outstanding women out there,â? Jo Handelsman, president of the Franklin society and a microbiologist at the University of Wisconsin, said in an interview. â??You donâ??t have to lower your standards in the slightest â?? you just have to pay attention.â?